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5 Ways to Use Summer to Boost Your Mood

Get back your energy and find the happier you this season, it's easier than you think
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It's been six months since you made those ambitious new years resolutions and if you're anything like us, you haven't given them a thought since you packed away the faux-grass after Easter. With demanding work schedules and the stress that comes with every day life, it can be easy to catch the "half-way blues" -- the feeling you get at the mid-point in the year when you're in need of a kick-start to get back on track for a healthy and happy life. Thankfully, the summer season can be just the kick-start you need.

Summer is the perfect opportunity to make the right changes for the healthier and happier life you have been looking for. We talked to the experts to get their best tips on how to utilize the summer months to boost your energy and your mood. Click through to see what you can do this summer to maximize your energy in a healthy and positive way.

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Get Outside
Sunshine and fresh air are the perfect pick me ups. Shake off your winter shell by finding ways to spend time outside every day. Sunshine will leave you feeling refreshed and significantly happier than if you were cooped up inside with artificial light all day (just don't forget your sunscreen!). "Getting sunshine is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your mood. Your skin synthesizes vitamin D, which will boost your immune system and your overall health and sense of well-being," says sports nutritionist and health coach, Brandon Mentore.



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Clean up your diet
Summer is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Not only will you look great for swimsuit season, but detoxing your system and getting rid of heavy food in your diet will give you more energy and keep you feeling good all summer long. Try to incorporate fresh summer produce into your diet such as strawberries, avocados, green beans, summer squash, and melons. Mike Clancy, a certified nutritionist and personal trainer in New York City, says that "Fruit and summer go hand-in-hand. Fruits and veggies are a summer favorite because they contain so many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that keep you feeling energetic, yet satisfied, for hours and they contain fiber, which keeps the stomach feeling full and the digestive organs healthy. Many fruits and vegetables also contain water, which makes these natural foods an easy choice for hydration and satisfaction."

Speaking of water, it is important to drink enough water during summer months when it is easy to get dehydrated. "Drink an extra 20 ounces of water a day -- it's important to stay hydrated during the summer. If you don't have enough water in your body it can lead to a sluggish physical state, headaches and migraines, and lethargy. All of these things can me you more irritable and frustrated with minor things," says Mentore.

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Re-connect
"It's easy to lose touch with close friends and family throughout the year, but isolation can and will dampen anyone's mood. So, take the time to reach out to old friends and family for a lunch date or a fun evening out," says mental health and relationship expert, Rhonda Richards Smith. Summer vacations and long weekends are the perfect opportunity to reach out to friends and family around you and re-connect. Find new activities that you can all participate in together or bond over old traditions and memories.

"One of the most important aspects of health is social interaction. Bring friends together and connect with your friends and family while participating in group-related activities. This is a great way to focus on having good, clean fun to de-stress from your everyday problems that may overwhelm you from time-to-time," says Clancy.

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Catch up on sleep
Sleep deprivation is not only bad for your health, but it can put you in a funk. Fitness expert and author Jenn Zerling stresses the importance of getting a good night's sleep during summer months: "The days are longer during summer time so bed time is generally pushed to a later hour. Unfortunately, the workdays begin at the same time. This leaves some people with less sleep each night, which can negatively affect one's mood the next day."

Make sure you sleep at least 7 hours a night, but watch out for over sleeping. If you get too much sleep, it will only make you more tired and leave you feeling grumpy. Find the perfect balance and you will have energy to last throughout your entire day.

BY CLAIRE BALLOR | JUN 30, 2013 | SHARES
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